Former Pakistan batsman Ramiz Raja believes the recently concluded series against a World XI “will go a long way in cementing a positive perception” that regular international cricket can one day be played in the country again.
It’s been a memorable three and a half months for the 1992 world champions. As the lowest-ranked nation in the competition, they defied the odds by beating India to win their first ICC Champions Trophy in June.
Then last week, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) hosted their most high-profile international series since the 2009 militant attack on the touring Sri Lankan bus that left eight people dead, as the national team beat a star-studded World XI over three T20 matches in Lahore.
That World XI squad featured the likes of South Africa’s Hashim Amla and West Indies’ Darren Sammy with the PCB calling it the first step in bringing elite cricket back to Pakistan.
Raja, who played 57 Tests and 198 ODIs for Pakistan, believes it’s only a matter of time before more matches are hosted in his home nation.
“It’s not that far (from international cricket returning to Pakistan),” he told Sport360° at the t-Lounge by Dilmah at Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Mall on Wednesday.
“I think it will go a long way in promoting international cricket in Pakistan.
“International cricket being played in Pakistan had to happen one day because they were on the receiving end for almost eight years where some of these young guys were not able to play in front of their home fans.
“They had to prove to the world, that they couldn’t be sidelined. They are a fantastic team and there’s great talent.
“I’m sure there’s more to come. Sri Lanka are scheduled to play one T20 game while there are talks of West Indies playing a T20 series. From that point of view, I think the World XI series will go a long way in cementing a positive perception in favour of Pakistan.”
The series was a big success overall.
The 55-year-old also praised the World XI touring party for playing their part in making the trip to Lahore. “The first steps are always difficult to take but everyone went home extremely satisfied,” he said.
“Whatever interviews I read by the the World XI players suggested they were so happy to be part of a great relaunching process and be part of a historic event.
“They had a look at the security situation and the cricket situation, and the bigger picture. The bigger picture was that ‘we need you and you need us’. It’s good that they feel Pakistan cannot be left alone.
“We need to thank the players who came. There must’ve been pleadings from the family but they made the trip.”
Raja now works as a prominent broadcaster in international cricket.
With optimism high in the Pakistan camp, Raja said head coach Mickey Arthur has played a major role in turning things around.
The South African was appointed head coach in May last year and has helped breed consistency in all aspects of Pakistan’s play.
“What they have done differently under him is that everyone has bought over the idea of being fit,” the 1992 World Cup winner added.
“They are on the same page as Mickey Arthur. Their fitness has gone up and the performances have improved. They are finding some good young talent which is something they’ve done so well.”